This is a widely held belief in certain circles that jointly caring for a dog post-separation is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such arrangements hinder former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and become annoying for everyone involved. As it turns out, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to feel down.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of our pets – countless people observe their profound sensitivity. To witness a masterclass in dog sorrow, one need only look another performance. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult coping with split households. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on this conflict works effectively seems a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, the work of the writing duo and helmed by director Swale, never aspires to be anything more than its premise. We have here a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth remains surface-level. The narrative is destined to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – featuring a group of comedic actors – serve as the usual assortment of types. The film's look is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – as seen in fake snow surrounding green trees as North Carolina stands in for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
How these familiar elements coalesce into a pleasant experience depends on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who seek out for dog videos. The film delivers a series of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and though it results in some clunky cuts between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie does offer dog beach fun, pet moping, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success does not extend for the human side of the story. Its style shifts uneasily between serious study, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a single genre. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the absurd and awkward required by the unusual premise. His performance contains a charming humility that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal comes across as a touch too detached, especially when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, the canine performer manages flopping and whining – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to add substance to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, given that the title character is by far the best part of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The cause for their original breakup could have been more nuanced with more screen time and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film about dog co-parenting is not terrible – though it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
